Kathmandu, Nepal, is not rugged, as Nepal shares an open border with India that is 1,850 kilometers long. There are no travel restrictions for Indian citizens traveling from India to Nepal. Nepal and India have shared a unique friendship since the beginning. Both countries are interdependent.
Nepal is a beautiful country rich in natural and cultural resources. Nepal and India have an unshakeable relationship and brotherhood, and both countries share the same culture: Hinduism. Primarily, Nepal's holy sites attract and are admired by many people in India.
Things needed to enter Nepal from India
Indian citizens are not required to apply for a Nepal Visa. Nepal is a free country for Indian citizens, unlike citizens in other countries.
However, Indian citizens must present proof of identity, such as a voter ID, Aadhaar card, Indian Passport, or birth certificate (for minors), when traveling to Nepal from India.
Medium of Transportation
You can travel from India to Nepal by air, bus, or train to the border. You can choose the medium of transportation that suits your preference.
If you fly from India to Nepal, you will arrive directly at Nepal's sole airport, Tribhuvan International Airport. It is located in Kathmandu. A flight from India is also the fastest and easiest way to reach Nepal.
Traveling to Nepal by bus or train is also possible, but you will need to take a train and then a bus, or use your own transport. Somehow, direct train service to Kathmandu is not available, even though buses run from India to Nepal.
About Borders and Routes
Nepal shares five borders with India, including Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Raxual (Bihar) and Sunauli (Uttar Pradesh) are the most popular and fastest border options if you travel by train because the train directly leads to Birgunj and Bhairahawa. Birgunj is known as the Gateway of Nepal. However, it is best to take a bus to reach the capital, Kathmandu or Pokhara, after arriving in Birgunj when traveling to Nepal from India.
You can take a direct flight of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from major Indian cities, including the capital cities of New Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi. Air is the preferred mode of transport for travel from India to Nepal.
Places to Explore in Nepal, including (Pilgrimage)
Nepal is rich in natural and cultural resources. There are hundreds of places to visit in Kathmandu. As Nepal and India share the same religion, and because you will also visit tour destinations such as Pokhara, Nagarkot, and Chitwan National Park, you may also wish to visit pilgrimage sites such as Pashupatinath, Krishna Temple, Lumbini, and Muktinath Temple.
Pashupatinath Tour
Pashupatinath is one of the oldest and most popular holy sites for Hindus. It is located in Kathmandu near the Bagmati River. Pashupatinath is the Temple of Lord Shiva.
The uncertain date of the Pashupatinath temple's establishment is one of its most notable features. However, its existence has been recorded as early as 400 CE. This Temple was classified as one of Nepal's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979 A.D.
Thousands of Hindu Pilgrims visit the Pashupatinath temple every year. According to Hinduism, if a body is burned near the Pashupatinath temple, it is carried by the river to heaven and reborn as a human in the next life.
The Temple of Pashupatinath is built in the Pagoda style, with a curved roof and a golden spire. There are four main gates to Pashupatinath. Interestingly, the main Temple of Pashupatinath, where the Shiva Linga is kept, has four silver-coated doors. The two-story roof is made of copper and covered with Gold. One of the most unique and attractive decorations of Pashupatinath is a giant golden statue of lord Shiva's (vehicle) Animal, Nandi.
Krishna Temple (Patan) Tour
Krishna Temple is a Lord Krishna temple located in Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Patan Durbar Square combines Hinduism and Buddhism, showcasing the beautiful artworks of both deities and highlighting Nepal's cultural diversity.
The Krishna Temple was a styled temple built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in the 17th Century. It follows the Indian Subcontinental Architectural style. However, the Newari Structure trait has also been observed.
Krishna Temple has 21 Gold Pinnacles, and the Ramayana is carved into the wooden walls with terracotta ornamentation. The massive earthquake in Nepal in April 2015. It was damaged by the time. However, it was restored in 2018. The Krishna temple has three tiers. The first floor honors Lord Krishna, the Second Honors Lord Shiva, and the third honors Lokeshwor (a Statue of the Buddha).
Lumbini (Birth Place of Gautam Buddha)
Lumbini is where Lord Siddhartha Gautama (The Light of Asia) was born around 623 B.C. It is a Buddhist Pilgrimage site in Rupandehi, Lumbini Province, in the midwestern part of Nepal. The entire province was named after Lumbini, widely regarded as the birthplace of the great lord Gautam Buddha. Lumbini was included in the list of Heritage sites.
Lumbini contains collapsed ancient monasteries, a blessed holy tree, the Ashokan pillar, an ancient bathing pond, and the Mayadevi Temple. A beautiful and peaceful garden was believed to have existed before these monasteries and temples. It is also believed that the rise of Buddhist culture stemmed from the ruins of ancient monasteries in Lumbini.
Lumbini is known for its peaceful environment and the thousands of monks who meditate daily. Hindus, Buddhists, and others worldwide visit Lumbini to meditate and seek spiritual freedom and peace.
There are two medium routes to reach Lumbini: by flight and by road. You can book a direct flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa Airport, a domestic airport established in the name of Lord Buddha. A flight of approximately 35-45 minutes from Kathmandu to Lumbini is the easiest and quickest option. Otherwise, you can take a private jeep or a public bus for about 8 to 9 hours.
Muktinath Temple (From the 19th Century)
Muktinath Temple is located in Muktinath Valley at the foot of Thorong La Mountain Pass in Mustang. It is 3762 meters (12,171 feet) above sea level. Muktinath Temple is a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists and is one of the highest temples in the World.
According to Hinduism, the Muktinath temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams (Trimurti) presences of all three Gods: Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Besides this Temple, other Divya Desams lie in India. That's one of the reasons Indian tourists visit here in large numbers. Hindus and Buddhists believe that Muktinath is a temple that breaks the cycle of birth and death and grants salvation. The oxygen level at Muktinath Temple is approximately 70-80% of sea level.
Muktinath Temple lies 188 km away from Kathmandu. You can take different routes to reach your destination from the heart of Kathmandu. The easiest and most comfortable option is to travel by air. However, there is no direct flight to Muktinath.
We have to catch a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which is approximately 20 minutes. Then, based on your preferences, you can travel by road in a private jeep or a public bus to Jomsom. You must drive about 1 to 1.5 hours to Ranipauwa and walk for 20 minutes to reach the Temple of Trimurti.
Otherwise, you can fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, approximately 20 minutes away. Then it would be best to take a Jeep or a bus to Ranipauwa. You need to walk 20 minutes from Ranipauwa to reach the main Temple.
Boundless Adventure offers Muktinath helicopter tours from Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Helicopter Tour to Muktinath Temple
Muktinath Temple is in the Annapurna Conservation Area. We provide the Muktinath Helicopter Tour, which allows Indian citizens to manage their busy schedules and senior citizens to pray at the Temple.
A helicopter tour to Muktinath from Kathmandu takes only 1 hour. During the helicopter tour, a private jeep will pick you up from the Hotel and take you to the Helipad. After that, the helicopter will land directly at the nearest Helipad to Muktinath.
During your helicopter ride from Kathmandu, you will see stunning views of the mountains from above, including Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, and the Annapurna Himalayan Range.
After landing at the Helipad, 2 km from Muktinath Temple, you will have time to explore the whole Temple. We will return to Kathmandu.
Muktinath Tour by Jeep
We also offer a Jeep tour for travelers visiting Muktinath.
During the Jeep tour from Kathmandu to Muktinath, we will take several routes, including those to Pokhara, Jomsom, Jharkot, and Marpha. Traveling from Kathmandu to Muktinath in a single day is not feasible.
First, we must reach Pokhara and stay overnight at a Hotel. The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Jeep takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. During your jeep tour, you will also enjoy the beauty of Pokhara.
Jomsom Muktinath Road is a rural road with muddy and landslide-prone sections. Mostly, 4-wheeler vehicles are suitable for the journey to Muktinath Temple. Along with your trip, you will also get to see the natural beauty of Nepal.
After reaching Muktinath Temple, you must walk for 20 minutes to reach the main Temple, and you will have plenty of time to explore the holy place of Trimurti. As per Hindu belief, you can also take a cold shower of holy water from 108 water spouts to remove your sins.
After exploring and worshipping in the Temple, we will return to Kathmandu again using the same routes as Marpha, Jomsom, and Pokhara.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, pilgrims believe that one must visit the Muktinath Temple at least once in a lifetime.
However, the Muktinath temple is located at 3800 meters above sea level. Here are other helicopter options from Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Pokhara
Pokhara is one of Nepal's most popular tourist destinations. It is located 200 kilometers away from the western Kathmandu Valley. We can travel to Pokhara by flight or by road. A flight to Pokhara takes 20 to 25 minutes, while the road trip takes approximately 6 to 8 hours.
Pokhara has fabulous landscapes surrounded by hills and famous landmarks. It is also known as the gateway and endpoint of the popular Annapurna Circuit trail in the Annapurna Himalayas. Pokhara offers a mesmerizing view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Popular Sightseeing Destination in Pokhara
Fewa Lake
Pokhara is known for Fewa Lake, the second-largest lake in Nepal and the largest in Gandaki Province. Fewa Lake is located at an Altitude of 742 meters (2434 ft.) and covers an area of 5.7 km². It is located in southern Pokhara.
One of the most amazing things about this lake is the Tal Barahi Temple, situated in the middle of the island. You can easily visit it by boat.
Fewa Lake is also well known for the spectacular shadow cast by Mt. Machhapuchhre and other peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on its surface.
World Peace Stupa (Shanti Stupa shrine)
The World Peace Stupa, a symbol of peace, was built on 12 September 1973 A.D. in Pokhara. It is located at an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level. It takes about 45 minutes from Lakeside by vehicle. You may travel by car, van, or bus to the parking lot, but you must climb stairs to reach the Stupa.
There are other options for going to the Stupa. Hiking for two hours from the Pokhara Dam side along a trail into the forest, then continuing down to Fewa Lake along the Stupa walkway, will take us to the Shanti Stupa.
We can see stunning views of the Annapurna Mountain Range from there early in the morning.
Gupteshwar Temple
Gupteshwar Mahadev is located in the Gupteshwar cave, Nepal's oldest cave. Generally, the meaning of Gupteshwar is (God in Hiding).
You have to descend 200 stairs to glimpse Shiva's Linga of Gupteshwar. Stairs are made of stone and will be slightly slippery and dark. One should be careful when walking over the stone stairs.
The waterfall inside the Gupteshwar Temple and the Gupteshwar Cave both originate from Lake Fewa.
David's Fall
Devi's Fall is located in the Kaski District of Pokhara. It is also known as Patale Chhango. The natural phenomenon of Devi's Fall differs from any other Waterfall. It marks the point where the Pardi Khola disappears underground, leaving no trace of its existence.
This waterfall is named after a Swiss man who was swept away by a fall in 1961 A.D. The source of the Devi's Fall waterfall is Fewa Lake.
It is located precisely opposite the Gupteshwar Temple. You can visit the Gupteshwar Temple on a single ride.
Bindhyabasini Temple
Bindhyabasini Temple is located in Miruwa, Pokhara, at an elevation of about 3,000 feet above sea level. It is the oldest Temple in Pokhara and is devoted to Hindus.
It is believed that King Khadag Bum Malla built the Bindhyabasini Temple in 1842 B.S. after Goddess Durga appeared in his dream and ordered him to make a statue of her. It is said that Goddess Durga protects Pokhara from harm. Many pilgrims from Nepal and India, as well as tourists from other countries, visit Bindyabasini in considerable numbers today.
You can enjoy the scenery of beautiful Mountain Annapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre from the Temple.
Sarangkot
Sarangkot is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pokhara, Nepal. The village is located at 1,600 meters above sea level and is best known for its views of the Himalayan range at sunrise and sunset.
Every day, you can see the clear and panoramic scenery of the breathtaking mountains, including the Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, and Manaslu.
Sarangkot is self-reliant, as it does not rely on any other village to meet its basic needs and wants. It has its own water supply, food production, and electricity. However, Sarangkot's residents also rely on tourism and agriculture.
You can reach Sarangkot by booking a taxi, a jeep, or a cable car. If travelers want to enjoy the early-morning sunrise without difficulty, having a car/van with them is better. The driver will pick you up from the Hotel and drive to Sarangkot. Alternatively, you can take the cable car from Sarangkot to Pokhara.
Activities in Pokhara
Pokhara is also renowned for its adventure activities, including rafting, boating, Paragliding, and ultralight flights. Paragliding and Ultra-Light attract thousands of visitors every day.
Paragliding and Ultra-Light
Paragliding and ultralight are among the most thrilling adventure activities.
Pokhara is considered one of the best destinations for Paragliding and ultralight flying. MaParaglidingrom from different countries come to Pokhara, Nepal, to participate in these adventurous activities.
Paragliding and Ultra-Light allow you to experience the beauty of Nepal's Himalayan range, including the scenic Pokhara area, soaring birds, and stunning green forests from above.
You will fly in the sky for approximately 30 to 40 minutes while paragliding, while an Ultra-Light is for about 20 to 90 minutes.
If Indian citizens want to travel to these places in Pokhara, our Boundless Adventure offers a variety of tour packages at reasonable prices. Please visit our website for further information about the tour.
Some Popular Tour Packages in Nepal
Nagarkot Tour
Nagarkot Tour is a beautiful place, 30 km east of the Kathmandu Valley. It is located at an elevation of 2,175 meters above sea level. Nagarkot is famous for stunning sunrise and sunset views of the Nepal Himalayas, including the World's Highest Mountain, Mt. Everest, and other peaks in eastern Nepal.
You can hire a private car, Jeep, or Van from Kathmandu, but if you are traveling in a group, you can take the bus to Nagarkot, as the road is exceedingly safe and secure.
Everest Helicopter Tour
The Everest Region is in Nepal's northeastern region. It lies in the Koshi Province, Solukhumbu District, and is known as Khumbu. This region is known for its flora, fauna, and scenic Himalayan landscape. However, enjoying a helicopter tour of Mount Everest is a different experience.
The World's Highest Mountain, Mt. Everest (8848.86 m), is located in this region. The Himalayas, including Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse, are also included in the list of the World's 10 highest mountains.
Rare mammal species, including Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, Snow leopards, black bears, Langur monkeys, and Himalayan wolves, are found in this region. Birds like the Himalayan Griffon, Snow pigeon, and bar-headed goose are also found in the Everest region.
The Everest Region is renowned for Trekking and tours, as Mt. Everest is located there. Extensive Trekking takes place in this region each year during the best seasons. The Everest helicopter tour is one of the most popular options to reach Everest Base Camp for time-constrained travelers. The Helicopter Tour offers a breathtaking view of the mountains, glaciers, icefalls, and the Lukla villages.
Our Boundless Adventure offers a range of helicopter packages, including the Everest Helicopter Tour, with complete safety at reasonable prices. Indian citizens can visit our page for more information.
Chitwan National Park Jungle Safari
Chitwan is located in the southwestern corner of Bagmati Province. Bharatpur is the district's administrative capital and is known for its dense forests.
Chitwan National Park is Nepal's first National Park. It was established in 1973 A.D. and covers 932 sq. km. It has spread over four districts: Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Parsa, and Makwanpur.
The Chitwan National Park is renowned for its Flora and Fauna. It is home to 50 mammal species, including the Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bears, Asian Elephants, and Single-horned Rhinos; over 525 bird species, including the Bengal Florian Red-Headed Vulture; and 55 amphibian and reptile species, including crocodiles and Snakes.
Our package includes a Jungle Safari Tour. We will explore Chitwan National Park by Jeep and observe wildlife. From Kathmandu, a direct flight to Bharatpur (approximately 22-25 minutes) can be taken to Chitwan. Alternatively, travel by road in a private Jeep or on a public bus is also possible.
Your Supportive Company's Boundless Adventure
Boundless Adventure is a recognized tour and trekking company in Thamel, Paknajol, Kathmandu. We have been providing our tours and trekking services since 1992 A.D.
Boundless Adventure has provided tours and treks for thousands of International travelers since 1992, with no complaints. Each traveler has been satisfied throughout their tour and trekking journey with Boundless Adventure. We offer outbound tours and trekking to Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal.
Lastly, Boundless ATrekking kindly requests that Indian citizens visit our site for further inquiries. We ensure you receive the best service throughout your tours and treks in Nepal. Our hospitality will exceed your expectations during your trip from India to Nepal.
Note: You can easily find out the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. Nepal, for your important document.